Dispensing applicator for fluids

ABSTRACT

A hand-held dispensing applicator comprising a source of fluid, a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source, and an absorbent member attached to the frangible applicator tip. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, fluid flows from the source to the absorbent member, whereby the fluid is applied and spread on a surface. Preferably, the frangible applicator tip comprises a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element extending outwardly of the support element, and a frangible region therebetween. Preferably, the tongue element comprises ribs for reinforcing the tongue element to resist unintentional breaking of the frangible region. More preferably, the applicator tip comprises a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover disposed around the frangible region to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbent member. Adaptive embodiments allow the generation of designs applicable to a particular medical purpose.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority from, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/579,728 for a DISPENSING APPLICATOR FORFLUIDS, which is now allowed, which in turn is a continuation of andclaims to priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/138,142 fora DISPENSING APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,614,811, andincorporates those applications in their entirety herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed in general to means for swabbing asurface (i.e., skin) that is gripped by a user at one end and has asponge or absorbent material at the other end. Further, the presentinvention is directed to such means for swabbing a surface having asource of a fluid (e.g., disinfectant or medicament) in communicationwith the sponge or absorbent material. Specifically, the presentinvention is directed to such a fluid-containing means for swabbing asurface further having means that is fractured or separated for thepurpose of allowing the fluid to flow from the fluid source to thesponge or absorbent material.

2. Description of the Related Art

Applicators consisting of a wooden or plastic tube having a bud ofcotton on one or both ends, are widely used for numerous purposes, suchas the topical application of substances to the human body. A demandexists for a product of this kind which serves not only as anapplicator, but also as a container for substances that are to beapplied to the human body. To be practical, such a device would have tohave a manually frangible portion that can readily be broken, while atthe same time being so constructed so as to prevent inadvertentfracture. An applicator of this nature would be useful for numerouspurposes.

Prior dispensing applicators allow excess amount fluid to flow tooquickly, and the fluid tends to pool on the surface. Depending upon thefluid being dispensed, such pooling can lead to patient discomfort,chemical burns, and even electrical shock if the dispensed fluid comesinto contact with electrical leads attached to the patient's body.

Moreover, in prior art dispensing applicators, the dispensed fluid tendsto accumulate at the rear-most portion of the absorbent member, which isclosest to the fluid source, instead of preferably evenly spreadingthroughout the absorbent member. As the volume of the dispensed fluidgradually increases at the rear portion of the absorbent member, thefluid starts uncontrollably dripping, thus, causing substantialinconvenience to a user.

A need, therefore, exists for a dispensing applicator overcoming theabove-identified drawbacks of the known related art.

A further need exists for a hand-held dispensing applicator that has asimple structure allowing the practitioner to deliver fluid to thesurfaces to be treated in a controllable manner.

Another need exists for a dispensing applicator that has an easilyactuatable structure requiring minimal application of manual force.

Further, a need exists for a hand-held dispensing applicator that has astructure minimizing uncontrollable distribution of fluid.

ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, the present invention provides a hand-helddispensing applicator comprising a source of fluid, a frangibleapplicator tip attached to the fluid source, and an absorbent memberattached to the frangible applicator tip. When the frangible applicatortip is broken, fluid flows from the source to the absorbent member,whereby the fluid is applied and spread on a surface. Preferably, thefluid is applied and spread on a surface in a controlled amount.Preferably, the fluid source is in the shape of a hollow tube that isintegrally formed, as a single piece, from a relatively rigid syntheticresinous material. Preferably, the frangible applicator tip comprises asupport element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relativelyrigid tongue element extending outwardly of the support element, and afrangible region therebetween. Extending through the support element isa fluid conduit that is open at the end attached to the fluid source andsealed by the tongue element at the end attached to the absorbentmember. By deflecting the tongue element relative to the supportelement, with a force of substantially predetermined magnitude, thefrangible region between the tongue and support elements will fracture,thereby permitting fluid to flow from the fluid source through theconduit, and into the attached absorbent member. Preferably, the tongueelement comprises ribs for reinforcing the tongue element to resistunintentional breaking of the frangible region. More preferably, theapplicator tip comprises a semi-permeable or non-permeable coverdisposed around the frangible region to control the speed and directionof the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbent member.

Other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following detailed description taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a dispensing applicator accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispensing applicator ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of a preferred applicator tip forthe dispensing applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a side devotional view of the applicator tip of FIG. 3wherein the frangible region is broken;

FIG. 3C is a top view of the applicator tip of FIG. 3B wherein aperturesare formed in the broken frangible region;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a first preferred tongue member for anapplicator tip for the dispensing applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a second preferred tongue member for anapplicator tip for the dispensing applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a third preferred tongue member for anapplicator tip for the dispensing applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a fourth preferred tongue member for anapplicator tip for the dispensing applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of the dispensing applicatorconstructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B is a diagrammatic view illustrating two positions of thedispensing applicator of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a dispensing applicator structured inaccordance with a further embodiment of the present invention andshowing a cross-sectional side view of the applicator tip;

FIG. 7 is a perspective detail view of an applicator tip for use in adispensing applicator according to the present invention having asemi-cover surrounding the frangible portion to control the speed anddirection of the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbent member.

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a further aspect of anembodiment of an applicator according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of another aspect of an embodimentof the dispensing applicator configured with a collecting and guidingmeans for minimizing unintended evacuation of fluid via a proximal endof a fluid absorbent member enabling a preferred directional fluid flow;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are side sectional and rear sectional views of stillanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a side cross-sectional view of a dispensing applicatoraccording to the present invention; and

FIG. 11B is a side cross-sectional view of a further aspect of anembodiment of the dispensing applicator according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, illustrate adispensing applicator according to the present invention generallyindicated as reference numeral 1. Dispensing applicator 1 comprises anabsorbent applicator member 8, a fluid source 10, and an applicator tip15. Absorbent member 8 may be of any suitable shape, such as cubic,cylindrical, or conical, and comprise any suitable absorbent material,such as cotton or sponge. Fluid source 10 may have any suitable shape.As is shown in FIG. 1, fluid source 10 is preferably a hollow, generallycylindrical body. The end of fluid source body located adjacent toabsorbent member 8 is preferably sealed thereto at a joint or seam 30,such as by heat sealing, to enclose the fluid substance contained withinfluid source body 10. Applicator tip 15 comprises an attachment member16, an attachment portion 17, and tongue member 18 joined thereto by atapered frangible region or juncture 19. Tongue member 18 is preferablya flat and broad shape that extends a distance into absorbent member 8,such that tongue member 18 is longer than it is wide (see FIGS. 4A to4D). It should be noted that the attachment portion 17 is relativelythick adjacent the fluid source body 10, and tapers toward frangiblejuncture 19. Absorbent member 8 is preferably connected to attachmentportion 17 and/or fluid source body 10.

The manner of utilizing dispensing applicator 1 will be self-evident,and simply involves holding the dispensing applicator 1 with theabsorbent application member 8 against an application surface.Dispensing applicator 1 is held such that tongue member 18 is at anacute angle (i.e., substantially parallel) to the application surface.Sufficient downward pressure of tongue member 18 against the applicationsurface will deflect tongue member 18 from the central axis c of thefluid source body 10. At a pre-determined amount of deflection, thefrangible juncture 19 will fracture or break. Fracture of the frangiblejuncture 19 will desirably be achieved by the application ofapproximately 0.25 to 5 pounds of force of tongue member 18 against theapplication surface.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, breaking frangible juncture 19 will resultin the formation of one or more apertures 12 through which fluid fromsource body 10 may flow into absorbent member 8 (not shown).

In its most preferable form, all portions of the source body 10 willhave a wall thickness that is substantially uniform at a value of about0.005 inch to about 0.025 inch (about 0.127 mm to about 0.635 mm). Thesource body 10 is preferably made of polypropylene having a density of0.897 g/cm² and a flexural modulus of about 150 Kpsi (about 1035 MPa),as determined by ASTM method 790B. The source body 10 is preferablyabout 6 inches to about 10 inches in overall length, and about 0.25 toabout 1.0 inches in diameter, so as to be convenient to grasp and stillcontain sufficient fluid for a single application.

The applicator tip 15 is about 1 to 3 inches long, and about 0.325inches in diameter. The frangible juncture 19 will preferably have athickness of about 0.0005 inch to about 0.002 inch (about 0.013 mm toabout 0.050 mm). The one or more apertures 12, which are produced by thefracture of frangible juncture 19, may be of any suitable size, butpreferably have a width and height that is substantially correlated tothe width and thickness of large ribs 31, 32 (see FIG. 3).

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3C, tongue member 18 preferably comprises aplurality of reinforcing ribs 31, 32. Due to the reinforcing ribs andthe resultant rigidity of tongue member 18, there will be virtually noflex along the length of tongue 18, and an applied force on tonguemember 18 will be effectively entirely transferred to and concentratedat frangible juncture 19. The result will be the reliable fracturing offrangible juncture 19, which fracturing results in the formation of oneor more apertures 12 of suitable size to permit the fluid within thefluid source body 10 to be discharged therefrom and distributed across apredetermined area of absorbent application member 8 (FIG. 1). As notedabove, it will generally be desirable for the material forming fluidsource body 10 to be sufficiently thin to permit some compression offluid source body 10, so as to enable discharge of a liquid therein at afaster rate than would otherwise occur, and/or to promote the flow ofthe fluid, especially if the fluid is relatively viscous.

FIG. 4A illustrates a first arrangement of ribs for a tongue 18 a. Asshown, tongue 18 a is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge 40 a, atop edge 41 a, and side edges 42 a, 43 a. Bottom edge 40 a issubstantially linear with a central point 45 a and corners 46 a, 47 a atwhich the proximate ends of respective side edges 42 a, 43 a meet. Topedge 41 a is curvilinear with an apex 48 a and corners 49 a, 50 a atwhich the distal ends of respective side edges 42 a, 43 a terminate.Central point 45 a and apex 48 a lie along central axis c. The distancebetween central point 45 a and apex 48 a is the length of tongue 18 a,while the distance between corners 49 a, 50 a is the width of tongue 18a. The thickness 51 a of tongue 18 a is the distance between the top andbottom surfaces thereof. Side edges 42 a, 43 a each have a respectivelarge rib 31 a, 30 a extending along the entire length thereof. It isnotable that tongue 18 a extends a distance beyond the length of thelarge ribs 31 a, 30 a, to apex 48 a, whereby top edge 41 a is notreinforced. Ribs 31 a, 30 a are each about 3 times the thickness oftongue 18 a and about ⅕^(th) the width of tongue 18 a. Small ribs 32 aredisposed directly adjacent to their respective large rib 31 a, 30 a onthe side thereof that is proximate to central axis c. Each small rib 32extends from bottom edge 40 a for a distance that is about 3/10^(th) thelength of the large ribs 31 a, 32 a. Each small rib 32 is about 2 timesthe thickness of tongue 18 a and about 1/10^(th) the width of tongue 18a.

FIG. 4B illustrates a second arrangement of ribs for a tongue 18 b. Asshown, tongue 18 b is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge 40 b, atop edge 41 b, and side edges 42 b, 43 b. Bottom edge 40 b issubstantially linear with a central point 45 b and corners 46 b, 47 b atwhich the proximate ends of respective side edge 42 b, 43 b meet. Topedge 41 b is curvilinear with an apex 48 b and corners 49 b, 50 b atwhich the distal ends of respective side edges 42 b, 43 b terminate.Central point 45 b and apex 48 b lie along central axis c (see FIG. 2).The distance between central point 45 b and apex 48 b is the length oftongue 18 b, while the distance between corners 49 b, 50 b is the widthof tongue 18 b. The thickness 51 b of tongue 18 b is the distancebetween the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Side edges 42 b, 43 b eachhave a respective large rib 31 b, 32 b extending along the entire lengththereof. Large ribs 31 b are each about 3 times the thickness of tongue18 b and about ⅕^(th) the width of tongue 18 b. Small half-ribs 33 b, 34b are disposed directly adjacent to their respective large ribs 31 b onthe sides thereof that are proximate to central axis c. A small rib 35 bis disposed along central axis c. Each small half-rib 33 b, 34 b extendsfrom bottom edge 40 b a distance that is about 3/10^(th) the length ofthe large ribs 31 b. Each small half-rib 33 b, 34 b is about 2 times thethickness of tongue 18 b and about 1/20^(th) the width of tongue 18 b.The small rib 35 b is about 2 times the thickness of tongue 18 h andabout 1/10^(th) the width of tongue 18 b.

FIG. 4C illustrates a third arrangement of ribs for a tongue 18 c. Asshown, tongue 18 c is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge 40 c, atop edge 41 c, and side edges 42 c, 43 c. Bottom edge 40 c issubstantially linear with a central point 45 c and corners 46 c, 47 c atwhich the proximate ends of respective side edge 42 c, 43 c meet. Topedge 41 c is curvilinear with an apex 48 c and corners 49 c, 50 c atwhich the distal ends of respect side edges 42 c, 43 c terminate.Central point 45 c and apex 48 c lie along central axis c (see FIG. 2).The distance between central point 45 c and apex 48 c is the length oftongue 18 c, while the distance between corners 49 c, 50 c is the widthof tongue 18 c. The thickness 51 c of tongue 18 c is the distancebetween the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Side edges 42 c, 43 c eachhas a respective large rib 31 e, 32 c extending along the entire lengththereof. Large ribs 31 c, 32 c are each about 3 times the thickness oftongue 18 c and about ⅕^(th) the width of tongue 18 c. A small rib 35 cis disposed along central axis c. The small rib 35 c extends from bottomedge 40 c a distance that is about 3/10 the length of the large ribs 31.The small rib 35 c is about 2 times the thickness of tongue 18 c andabout 1/10¹¹¹ the width of tongue 18 c.

FIG. 4D illustrates a fourth arrangement of ribs for a tongue 18 d. Asshown, tongue 18 d is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge 40 d, atop edge 41 d, and side edges 42 d, 43 d. Bottom edge 40 d issubstantially linear with a central point 45 d and corners 46 d, 47 d atwhich the proximate ends of respective side edge 42 d, 43 d meet. Topedge 41 d is curvilinear with an apex 48 d and corners 49 d, 50 d atwhich the distal ends of respect side edges 42 d, 43 d terminate.Central point 45 d and apex 48 d both lie along central axis c (see FIG.2). The distance between central point 45 d and apex 48 d is the lengthof tongue 18 d, while the distance between corners 49 d, 50 d is thewidth of tongue 18 d. The thickness 51 d of tongue 18 d is the distancebetween the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Side edges 42 d, 43 d eachhas a respective large rib 31 d, 32 d extending along the entire lengththereof. Large ribs 31 d, 32 d are each about 3 times the thickness oftongue 18 d and about ⅕^(th) the width of tongue 18 d. Spaced apart fromeach large rib 31 d, 32 d is a respective small rib 33 d, 34 d. Thesmall ribs 33 d, 34 d are spaced apart from each other and evenly spacedfrom central axis c. The small ribs 33 d, 34 d are closer to centralaxis c than to their respective large ribs 31 d, 32 d. The small ribs 33d, 34 d extend from bottom edge 40 b a distance that is about 3/10 thelength of the large ribs 31 d, 32 d. The small ribs 33 d, 34 d are about2 times the thickness of tongue 18 b and about 1/10^(th) the width oftongue 18 b. Each small rib 33 d, 34 d is spaced apart from the centralaxis c by a distance that is approximately equal to its respectivewidth. The small ribs 33 d, 34 d are spaced apart from each other by adistance that is approximately equal to 2 times the width of eithersmall rib 33 d or 34 d. Each small rib 33 d, 34 d is spaced apart fromits respective large rib 31 d, 32 d by a distance that is approximatelyequal to 2 times its respective width.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a second dispensing applicator 100 accordingto the present invention. Dispensing applicator 100 comprises anapplicator head 108, a source of fluid, which is shown as a hollow,generally cylindrical body 110, and an applicator tip 115, which has anattachment member 117 and tongue member 118 joined thereto by a taperedfrangible juncture 119. Fluid source body 110 and applicator tip 115 arerespectively identical in form and function to fluid source body 10 andapplicator tip 15 described hereinabove in reference to FIGS. 1 through4D.

In addition, dispensing applicator member 100 is provided with anabsorbent swab member 210, and an inwardly projecting ridge-shapedmember 215 provided within body 110. A portion of body 110 is adapted tohold and/or support absorbent applicator member 105. As shown, absorbentapplicator member 105 is held and supported on a surface 106. Surface106 is provided with at least one aperture 107, such that the fluid mayflow from the interior of body 110 into absorbent applicator member 105,as discussed in further detail herein below. Furthermore, a portion ofbody 110 is adapted to hold and/or support absorbent swab member 210.

As shown, absorbent swab member 210 is held and supported on a surface101 that is connected to body 110 by a stock member 204. Absorbent swabmember 210 is preferably not in fluid communication with the interior ofbody 110. Outer surface 201 of applicator member 105 is orientedrelative to body 200 such that, when absorbent applicator member 105 issubstantially parallel to an application surface (i.e., in contact withthe application surface), the central axis c of body 110 forms an angleof about 45° with the application surface, which angle provides acomfortable grip for the user and facilitates the flow of fluid throughthe interior of body 110 into absorbent application member 105.Similarly, outer surface 201 of swab member 210 is oriented relative tobody 200, such that, when absorbent swab member 210 is substantiallyparallel to an application surface (i.e., in contact with theapplication surface), the central axis c of body 200 forms an angle ofabout 30° with the application surface, which angle provides acomfortable grip for the user and allows the user to spread the appliedfluid over a relatively large area with relatively less arm movementand/or extension.

The manner of utilizing dispensing applicator 100 involves holding thedispensing applicator 100 with the absorbent application member 105against an application surface. Downward pressure of applicator 100against the application surface will displace head 108 upwardly andforce ridge-shaped member 215 into contact with tongue member 118.Sufficient upward pressure of ridge-shaped member 215 against tonguemember 118 will upwardly deflect the tongue member 118 from the centralaxis c of the fluid source body 110. At a predetermined amount ofdeflection, the frangible juncture 119 will fracture or break. Fractureof the frangible juncture 119 will desirably be achieved by theapplication of approximately 0.25 to 5 pounds of downward force ofapplicator 100 against the application surface. Breaking frangiblejuncture 119 will result fluid from fluid source body 110 flowing intohead 108. Comparable to breaking frangible region 19 of applicator tip15, as discussed hereinabove in reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C, breakingfrangible region 119 of applicator tip 115 results in the formation ofone or more apertures in applicator tip 115 through which fluid fromsource body 110 may flow into head 108. Thus, in general, applicator tip15 is comparable in form and structure to applicator tip 115.

Absorbent swab member 210 may be employed for a variety of purposes.Swab 210 may be used to spread a fluid over the application surfaceafter the application member 205 initially applies the fluid. Using swab210 in this way would be particularly advantageous if the amount offluid that is desired to cover a relatively large surface area has beeninadvertently applied to a relatively small area, which may occur ifapplication member 105 becomes over-saturated with fluid and can nolonger effectively regulate the flow rate and amount of fluid beingapplied. Moreover, swab member 210 may be used to soak up fluid on theapplication surface, for example, when an excess of fluid has beenapplied or the fluid has been applied over the wrong area.

As stated above, absorbent swab member 210 is preferably not in fluidcommunication with the interior of body 200. However, a possible use forswab 210 is applying fluid to a second surface area that is separate andapart from the surface area over which used absorbent application member205. In the critical interest of avoiding cross-contamination, it isdesirable to use the application member 105 over only a singlecontiguous surface area that should be relatively limited (e.g., theupper front of the torso, instead of the entire front of the torso).Accordingly, after an initial application, any additional fluid in agiven dispensing applicator may go wastefully unutilized. Therefore, inanother embodiment of absorbent applicator head 108, there is providedat least one aperture (not shown) in surface 101, such that fluid mayflow from the interior of body 200 into absorbent swab member 210.

Head 108 may be detachable from fluid body 110. Fluid body 110 maycontain an amount of fluid that is greater than is necessary for a givenapplication. Accordingly, after an initial application, any additionalfluid in a given dispensing applicator may go wastefully unutilized.Therefore, in another embodiment of applicator 100, fluid body 110 isremovably attached to head 108 so that head 108 may be disposed ofseparately from fluid body 110. If fluid body 110 contains residualfluid after an initial application, other absorbent head may be attachedto fluid body 110, thereby allowing the residual fluid to be applied toanother application surface.

Referring to FIG. 6, as stated above, it is desirous to avoidcross-contamination by using a given absorbent applicator over only asingle contiguous, relatively limited, surface area. Yet, using a givenabsorbent application in such a manner will often result in an amount offluid therein being wasted. Accordingly, a dispensing applicatoraccording to the present invention, generally indicated as referencenumeral 300, may be provided with a relatively larger, multi-sidedabsorbent applicator member 308, such that different sides thereof maybe used on different surface areas.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown an applicator tip having asemi-permeable or non-permeable cover 400 substantially surroundingfrangible juncture 19. The purpose of cover 400 is to control the speedand direction of the dispersion of fluid in a surrounding absorbentmember (not shown).

Preferably, a rearward edge 401 of cover 400 will be attached toapplicator tip 15. More preferably, rearward edge 401 will be fullysealed around applicator tip 15 without gaps or holes so that fluid maynot flow rearward under edge 401. If cover 400 is semi-permeableadjacent to rearward edge 401, fluid may flow rearward through cover400, but preferably will not flow rearward under edge 401 given the morepreferable fully sealed attachment thereof to applicator tip 15. Incontrast, a forward or distal edge 402 of cover 400 is preferably freeand unattached to applicator tip 15 so that fluid may flow forward undercover 400 substantially without being impeded thereby.

Preferably, cover 400 is formed as a seamless, unitary cylindricalsleeve. Nonetheless, cover 400 may be of any suitable shape andconstruction. Depending upon its intended function, cover 400 may besemi-permeable or impermeable to fluid. Cover 400 may be made of variousmaterials, including natural and/or synthetic rubbers, thermoplastics(e.g., polyethylene), cellulosic materials or similar fibers (i.e.,natural polymeric fibers), and metallic materials. Cover 400 may be acontiguous sheet, a mesh, a felt, or another suitable form, with orwithout reinforcing fibers and/or seams (i.e., “rip-stop” seams).

Preferably, cover 400 is pliable and flexible so that it does not impededeflection of tongue member 18. In other words, it is preferable thatcover 400 does not hinder the breaking of frangible juncture 19.

However, surrounding frangible juncture 19 with a cover 400 havingsuitable thickness and/or stiffness will provide a level ofreinforcement that prevents inadvertent breaking of frangible juncture19. According, by employing a suitable thick and/or stiff cover 400,tongue member 18 may be provided without reinforcing ribs. Thus,employing cover 400 to reinforce frangible juncture 19 willadvantageously simplify production of application tip 15, since tonguemember 18 may be molded as a simple flat extension.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a dip mold process may be used to make sourcebody 10, applicator tip 15, or both. The dip molding process begins withpreheating of a male mold made from a material having relatively highheat capacity and coefficient of thermal conductivity. This heated moldis then placed in a fluidized bed of meltable particulate resinousmaterial for a time needed to provide a coating of a desired thickness.The mold with melted resinous material is then removed from thefluidized bed, heated a second time and cooled. Finally the tubecomponent is stripped from the mold.

As noted above, it is important for the proper functioning of theapplicator that the tube be fabricated from a material that issufficiently rigid to enable manual fracture of the frangible endportion. If the material is too flexible, deflection of the stem willnot produce the desired result. On the other hand, if the material isexcessively rigid and brittle, the possibility of an inadvertentfracture will exist, and compression of the body portion to promote flowwould be precluded due to the likelihood of cracking, or simply becauseexcess force is required. A variety of synthetic resinous materials maybe utilized, the selection of which will be evident to those skilled inthe art. The resin must have a sufficiently low melt viscosity to permitcoverage of all mold surfaces, and it must produce a nonporous andpinhole-free structure. The polymer will normally be a thermoplastic,and exemplary materials include polypropylene, high densitypolyethylene, rigid polyvinyl chloride and nylon.

The tongue member of the applicator tip will preferably be elongated tofacilitate attachment thereof to the absorbent member 8. However, it isnot essential that the tongue member 18 be of any specific shape and,for example, may be rectangular or cylindrical. Regardless of the shapeof tongue member 18, it is essential that suitable reinforcing ribs, asdescribed hereinabove, be included to prevent unintentional breaking offrangible portion 19. Moreover, the shape of tongue member 18 willdictate the shape of the orifice formed in applicator tip 15 where thetongue member 18 is separated from attachment member 17. Accordingly,the flow rate and overall amount of fluid applied to an applicationsurface by dispensing applicator 1 is a function of several factors,including the shape and strength of tongue member 18 (and the resultingorifice), the porosity of absorbent member 8, the density of the fluid,and the force employed by the user when breaking frangible portion 19and pressing absorbent member 8 against the application surface.Determining the optimal flow rate for a given application is well withinthe ability of one skilled in the art and, therefore, will not beelaborated upon herein.

As stated above, the porous member may be made of any suitablematerial(s), most notably open cell, soft, and pliant sponge-like foam,that may be, for example, a polyurethane composition. The choice ofmaterial will depend largely upon the particular application and thecharacteristics of tongue member 18 and the fluid held in source body10.

In its normal form, source body 10 will be of circular cross-section.However, other shapes are also believed to be feasible. The source body10 may have a square, triangular, or rectangular cross-section, and theshape may indeed be asymmetrical in cross section and of dissimilarshapes at different points along its length. It will be appreciatedtherefore that, as used herein the term “diameter” is to be construed ina broad sense, so as to be applicable to non-circular elementscorresponding to those shown, and to refer to the maximumcross-sectional dimension of the element. Although normally completelyhollow, the source body 10 may include appropriate reinforcementelements, such as internal support pillars, to provide adequate overallstrength and rigidity, while permitting the source body 10 to have athinner than would otherwise be possible. Likewise, source body 10 mayinclude a solid portion, for example, to be gripped while breakingfrangible portion 19, so that source body 10 will not be prematurelycompressed or squeezed, which might result in too much fluid flowing tooquickly into absorbent member 8.

Controlling a rate of dispensing fluid is critical because a)oversaturation of the absorbent member reduces the collecting capabilityof this member, and b) back flow of the delivered fluid from the distalend towards the proximal end of the absorbent member interferes with thephysician's work. Accordingly, FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodimentof the invention directed to a dispensing applicator 350 which isconfigured to prevent fluid from uncontrollably entering an attachmentmember 354 that is coupled to tip 15. At least one, but preferably amultiplicity of capillary vessels 352 is provided within the attachmentmember. Being in fluid communication with a source body 360, vessels352, by virtue of their cross-section, meter an amount of fluidpenetrating into the absorbent member (not shown). Thus, a combinationof the openings, which are formed as a result of breaking frangibleregion 19 and vessels 352, effectively limits oversaturation of theabsorbent member.

Still another embodiment of a dispensing applicator 450 is illustratedin FIG. 9. As shown, applicator 450 does not have a frangible structureor region. Instead, an attachment member 452 is provided with at leastone or more capillary vessels 454 controllably traverse by fluid fromfluid source 464. Vessels 454 project into an applicator tip 465 whilepenetrating a proximal end of an absorbent member 456. The cross-sectionof the vessels is selected to provide a metered delivery of fluid.

However, absorbent member 456 can still accumulate an excessive amountof fluid, which will eventually result in a backflow towards theproximal end of the absorbent member and subsequent voluntary evacuationof fluid via this end. To limit or minimize such a possibility,applicator 450 has a flow limiting component or cover 458. Formed withinabsorbent member 456 and, preferably, sealed to the proximal endthereof, cover 458 is able to collect fluid flowing towards the proximalend of absorbent member 456 and thus, prevents uncontrollable evacuationof accumulated fluid.

As illustrated, cover 458 is provided with a body having a pair ofconcave sides 460 whose free or distal ends are spaced from one anotherat a distance that defines an open exit/entrance for fluid. The bottomportions 464 of cover 458 extend complementary to converging flanks 466of attachment member 452. Stability of an applicator tip 465 is added byproviding the distal end of attachment member 452 with a rib 470. Notethat cover 458 does not completely prevent backflow of fluid leaving aspace within the absorbent member which is sufficient to amply, but notexcessively, wet the surfaces of this member.

A further embodiment of dispensing applicator 479 is illustrated inFIGS. 10A and 10B. Applicator 479 has a frangible region 19 structuredsubstantially similar to the like configured regions which are discussedin detail above. To prevent uncontrollable evacuation of fluid via aproximal end 474 of an absorbent member 476, applicator 479 has a cover472 functioning similarly to cover 458 of FIG. 9. However, cover 472 isconfigured with a pair of rectilinear flanks 478 and a bottom portion480 that extends parallel to a flat distal end of attachment member 452.The bottom portion of cover 472 allows the frangible region 19 to passtherethrough forming an outlet port (see FIG. 10B) which in turn allowsfluid held in source body 10 to pass through the outlet port, throughthe frangible region 19, and to escape from the aperture formed upon thebreaking of frangible juncture 19.

The applicator 479 is formed by inserting cover 472 into and sealing itto the interior of absorbent member 476. The bottom portion 480 liespreferably flush with the proximal end of the absorbent member and issealingly attached to frangible region 19.

Embodiments of a dispensing applicator 490 illustrated in FIGS. 11A and11 b are conceptually close to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5Aand 5B and include an applicator head 492 which is formed with anabsorbent member 494 and a swab member 496. The absorbent and swabmembers have a center axes A-A and B-B, respectively, which intersectone another forming an angle of about 80-100°.

The difference between the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B and the currentone includes utilization of one or more capillary vessels 498 providedinstead of the frangible region. While, swab member 496 of FIG. 11A isprevented from fluid communication an interior of a fluid source body,swab member 496 of FIG. 11B is traversed by a capillary tube 499 and hasan inner surface 497 in fluid communication with the interior via anopening 495, for the reasons explained above in reference to FIGS. 5Aand 5B.

The present invention is primarily directed to a dispensing applicatorfor the application of liquids to the surface of the head, limbs, and/orbody for medical purposes (i.e., pre-surgical disinfection). However,dispensing applicators according to the present invention may be used ina wide variety of purposes and environments. For example, a dispensingapplicator according to the present invention can be used forapplication of lubricant(s) or adhesive(s). The range of sizes can alsovary widely, as long as the several wall thicknesses are controlledappropriately to afford the desired functional characteristics discussedherein. It should also be appreciated by those of skill in the art thatthe fluid reservoirs, in selected embodiments, are flexibly bounded andallow an operator to control volumetric application based on the amountof pressure applied to the exterior of the reservoir. As a consequenceof this design, it should also be recognized by those of skill in theart, that an operator releasing a compressed reservoirs, may partiallysuction released fluid back into the reservoir and minimize pooling.

It will be understood that the present invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from the spirit or centralcharacteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments,therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details givenherein.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A dispensing applicator comprising: afluid-absorbent member having a proximal end in a flow communicationwith a fluid source for containing a fluid, and a distal end, saidfluid-absorbent member being configured to deliver said fluid to anexternal surface to be treated through said distal end, said fluidsource further comprising delivery initiation means for causing saidfluid to flow towards said distal end by application of pressure to anouter wall of said fluid source; a cover located within saidfluid-absorbent member and extending between the proximal and distalends of the fluid-absorbent member, the cover being configured to directsaid fluid flowing from said distal to proximal ends of saidfluid-absorbent member so as to minimize voluntary evacuation of saidfluid through said proximal end of said fluid-absorbent member; asubstantially rigid tongue element extending outwardly through saidfluid absorbent member towards said distal end thereof; and a frangibleregion located between said proximal end of said fluid-absorbent memberand said rigid tongue element and operative to provide flowcommunication between said fluid source and said proximal end of saidabsorbent member upon intentional breaking at a portion of saidfrangible region.
 22. The dispensing applicator of claim 21, whereinsaid rigid tongue element is configured with a plurality of reinforcingribs that resist deflection; whereby unintentional breaking of saidfrangible region is reduced by said plurality of reinforcing ribs. 23.The dispensing applicator of claim 21, wherein said cover is formed fromfluid-resistant material consisting of a group selected from naturalrubbers, synthetic rubbers, thermoplastics, cellulosic materials orsimilar fibers, and metallic materials.
 24. The dispensing applicator ofclaim 21, wherein said cover is provided integrally with saidfluid-absorbent member.
 25. The dispensing applicator of claim 21,wherein said cover serves as an insert coupled to and sealingly fixed tosaid fluid absorbent member.
 26. The dispensing applicator of claim 21,wherein said fluid-absorbent member is provided with a generallytriangular cross-section and has a base provided with an outlet port anddefining the proximal end of and a top defining the distal end of saidfluid-absorbent member.
 27. The dispensing applicator of claim 21,wherein said cover has a bottom juxtaposed with a base of saidfluid-absorbent member and a pair of flanks converging towards saiddistal end of said fluid absorbent member and having free ends, saidfree ends being spaced apart and terminating at a distance from saiddistal end so as to allow said fluid to propagate across said fluidabsorbent member in a vicinity of said distal end of said fluidabsorbent member.
 28. The dispensing applicator of claim 21, wherein abottom of said cover is configured so as to sealingly surround an outletport.
 29. The dispensing applicator of claim 21, wherein said cover hasa generally cup-shaped cross section.
 30. The dispensing applicator ofclaim 21, further comprising an attachment member in flow communicationwith said fluid source, and at least one capillary tube configured toprovide flow communication between said fluid source and said frangibleregion, wherein the at least one capillary tube is shaped anddimensioned to minimize a rate at which said fluid is being delivered tosaid absorbent member.
 31. The dispensing applicator of claim 21,further comprising a support member coupled to said absorbent member andin flow communication with said fluid.